Two similar snowdrops, one rather better known and dating back to the 1950s. 'Modern Art' was modern then and modern now, with its long outer petals with markings green at the tips and variable colouring higher up the petals. It was described in 'A Gardener's Guide to Snowdrops' (Freda Cox) as a seedling selected by E B Anderson in his garden in Lower Slaughter, near Stow on the Wold, another discovery being 'Tubby Merlin'. I lost my first one last year and this is a replacement.
'Jade' was also more recently discovered in Gloucestershire, and was described in a best snowdrops list for 'Gardener's World' as, 'Highly sought after for the wash of green on its outside petals and habit of curling its scape (flower stalk) almost back on itself. The amount of green can vary.' I bought it at the same time as 'Modern Art'. Similar aren't they? They sit beside each other in identical pots on the shelf so I'll trace their development. I listened to Bob Flowerdew last week on 'Gardener's Question Time' say with no trace of irony that his garden was a laboratory. My garden is a laboratory.
I continue to be amazed by how many varieties of snowdrops there are, Ian. I'm trying to think of a parallel among the plants grown here where there's been as much tinkering with fine differentiations in a flower's appearance and I can't come up with anything on par.
ReplyDeleteGalanthus are so exquisite, as are your photos. There is said to be one species that grows in Southern California--worth a try.
ReplyDeleteJust watched a programme on California and the state is on our wish list which, as ever, health and wealth permitting, we will accomplish. Keep growing the snowdrop.
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